Dana White has finally accepted Islam Makhachev as the pound-for-pound UFC king.
The lightweight champion ran through Renato Moicano to defend his title at UFC 311 in California on Saturday night.
Islam Makhachev‘s performance was particualrly impressive as until Friday he was booked to face Arman Tsarukyan, but the Armenian withdrew from the first UFC pay-per-view show of the year after suffering a back injury.
The first-round submission win was so impressive that it convinced Dana White to change one of his strongest opinions.
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Dana White names new pound-for-pound number one
Dana White spent the majority of 2024 blasting the UFC rankings panel for overlooking heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who has fought just twice in five years, in favor of Makhachev.
However, the MMA mogul finally admitted that Khabib Nurmagomedov’s teammate is the best fighter currently on his roster after UFC 311.
“Yeah, I’ll give it to him,” White said when asked if he believes Makhachev is the P4P number one during his post-fight press conference. “Are you happy? Is everybody happy now?”
He added: “Islam was willing to fight anybody, he stayed active, and he went out tonight and performed.
“Don’t be d***’s. I just admitted I’m giving it to [Makhachev], he’s the pound-for-pound.”
Who is the best UFC lightweight fighter ever?
White went one step further with his glowing praise of Makhachev after his historic UFC 311 win.
The 55-year-old ranked his current 155lb champion as the best fighter the division has ever seen.
Makhachev set a new defense record at four for the weight class, but the feat was somewhat tainted by the fact all of his opponents since becoming champion have been former featherweights.
“100 percent,” White said when asked if Makhachev is the best UFC lightweight of all time.
He added: “Yeah, there’s no about it.
“I mean, he’s the pound-for-pound best in the world right now, and he’s definitely the best to do it in that division.”
Makhachev has beaten Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and Alexander Volkanovksi during an incredible 15-fight winning run that puts him just one victory away from equalling Anderson Silva’s record.
It appears he is well on his way to becoming one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, regardless of weight.